Maryland Pollution Offset Rules Delayed

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s environmental secretary says the state is delaying rules requiring offsets for water pollution from new development.

Environment Secretary Robert Summers told lawmakers in Annapolis that details need to be worked out in a plan to let developers buy credits for pollution reductions elsewhere. Developers also would be able to pay a fee to offset the environmental impact of their project. The rules originally had been expected to be issued next month.

The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday that developers and local officials are seeking flexibility while environmentalists want limits to ensure pollution is reduced.

The rules are part of the state’s efforts to comply with a federal Chesapeake Bay restoration strategy. A new state growth law also requires pollution offsets for large housing subdivisions not connected to sewer systems.